Manager, Defense Business Operations

Position Overview

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a high-energy, versatile Defense Business Operations Manager to serve as a force multiplier for our Defense group. This role is designed for a proactive professional who can pivot seamlessly between high-level strategic project execution and essential business and staff support functions. We are looking for an "integrator" who thrives on autonomy and possesses the professional maturity to drive complex, cross-functional projects to completion across Business Development (BD), PMO, Engineering, Operations, and Accounting.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter capable of translating executive vision into actionable plans in this rapidly growing, fast-based business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive cross-functional projects to completion by managing planning, resource allocation, and performance tracking across BD, PMO, and Finance.
• Identify and implement AI tools and workflows to streamline internal operations
• Conduct research and analysis to develop reports, executive presentations, and strategic recommendations for VPs and Directors.
• Lead the development and refinement of strategic reporting and planning processes to ensure the organization meets aggressive growth targets.
• Provide administrative and staff support to the leadership team, including coordinating schedules and managing group-level taskers.
• Assist in the oversight of compliant cost accounting practices, labor charging, and contract cost accumulation.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance to ensure data integrity across enterprise systems and support internal/external audit preparation (DCAA/DCMA).
• Design and document standardized business processes to support efficient engineering, operations, and program execution. 

Qualifications 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Management, Engineering, or a related field 

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience within a high-growth technology, space, or defense company.
• Direct experience or strong familiarity with DoD accounting, finance, or procurement processes (e.g., FAR/DFARS, DCAA, or DCMA).
• Proven track record of "owning" projects from inception to delivery with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project management tools such as JIRA, MS Project, or MS Visio.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities for a leadership team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA in Strategic Management, Business, or a related field.
• Experience working within a FOCI-mitigated or ITAR-controlled environment
• Experience in the Space Industry or working with complex hardware/software products. 

Soft Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of all documentation and project deliverables.
• Eagerness to help others and solve problems proactively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. 

Technology Stack:

• AI Tools and agentic frameworks
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Project Management Tools (JIRA, MS Project, or MS Visio)
• ERP Systems (NetSuite, CostPoint)
• Sales Pipeline (SalesForce) 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.